0
0
1
662
3774
31
8
4428
14.0
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
JA
X-NONE
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
Photo Submitted
From their arrival in Oklahoma City in 2008 to the NBA finals in 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder has become an Oklahoma household name. But what if you could work for them after you graduate?
The Oklahoma City Thunder Career Fair can provide the preliminary steps and connections for such a future.
“There are a broad array of organizations that are a part of this event, but this is the only sports-focused career fair offered in the Oklahoma City area,” Megan Morgan, manager of group sales for Oklahoma City Thunder, said. “At this fair, students will have the opportunity to network with the representatives from the Thunder, plus 20 other sports and entertainment areas. There is also no other career fair around where the registration is packaged in with a ticket to the Thunder game that evening.”
The fair, which takes place on Feb. 6 from 12:30-3 p.m. in the Chesapeake Energy Arena, is open to college students and recent graduates. The fair will kick off with a word from the Thunder executives, then students will be allowed to explore the concourse and speak with representatives from the sports industry.
Representatives from the Thunder organization will be available to speak with students, offering them the chance to learn about sports and network with regional sports.
“People always hire people that they know and can trust,” Oklahoma Christian Career Service Director Mark Chan said. “The first part of that is to get to know them, they need to know you. There might be something on your radar already, but it’s a good time to make contacts with some of the reps.”
The career fair has an impressive lineup of sports-related businesses, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tulsa 66ers, Chesapeake Energy Arena SMG Management Facility, Oklahoma City RedHawks, Oklahoma City Barons, Dallas Stars, University of Central Oklahoma Athletic Department, University of Oklahoma Marketing and Athletic Department, Remington Park, Oklahoma All-Sports Association and Dave & Busters.
“Face-to-face contact is very important to many employers,” Morgan said. “However, sometimes that is difficult to get. What we offer at this event is a great opportunity to network and create a meaningful first impression with employers from across the region. Any student who has an interest in working for the sports-related industry should take advantage of getting their name out there.”
The opportunities offered at the fair do not have to be in the distant future, either. A dream job could be sooner than expected.
“Our employers will be in attendance,” Morgan said. “We will probably be looking to fill a variety of needs. This could be including, but not limited to, part-time, seasonal, full-time and internships. Some of our employees might just be there to facilitate networking for future opportunities. Students may also find jobs that are right for them, or just find out more about getting into the industry.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder and other large corporations and organizations have staff that come from an extensive list of majors and backgrounds. Whether a business, marketing, Communications or English major, the Thunder Career Fair could open up doors for a job.
“So my question to students would be, ‘Where are you going? Where are you going to end up?’ Chan said. “It’s a fun time to explore and possibly discover a future employer or a job opportunity. Something you’ve never thought of before.”
By registering, students can attend the fair and are able to shake hands with future employers, and also receive a ticket to watch the Thunder take on the Golden State Warriors that night.
“I am planning on attending the Career fair,” freshman Marshall Ewald, who won a pair of tickets to the career fair in a contest held by Oklahoma Christian Career Services, said. “Hopefully it will be a good learning experience that will help me to better understand the process of getting a job, and maybe even help me find places to work at in the foreseeable future. I think that it could be a great way to begin contact with companies that may want to hire me someday.”
Admission is $25. To register, go online to www.nba.com/thunder/community/career-fair-2013, or call Ryan Hock at 405-429-7762.
“I hope if nothing else it may get students interested in or stop to consider their future plans and goals and careers,” Chan said.
0
0
Be First to Comment